High profile celebrity supporters back campaign for Fairtrade in 2012

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High profile celebrity supporters back campaign to ‘take a step’ for Fairtrade in 2012

Sarah Brown, Harry Hill, Alistair McGowan, Alex Jones, Christine Bleakley, Lorraine Kelly, Dan Lobb, Sue Perkins, Jessica Hynes, Francesca ‘Cheska’ Hull, Kate Walsh, Natalie Pinkham, Di Dougherty, Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova, Louisa Lytton.

With individuals, groups and businesses up and down the country ‘stepping up’ the action for Fairtrade throughout 2012, a host of celebrities have committed to take their own steps in 2012 to help the world’s poorest farmers get a fair deal for the products they grow.

Sarah Brown will be reaching for the Fairtrade tea each time she goes to the supermarket. She said:

‘If you care about the people behind the food that ends up on your plate, or what clothes you wear, then please reach out to the poorest farmers around the world by taking a step for Fairtrade during Fairtrade Fortnight.

‘By taking a step you will contribute to the start of getting millions of farmers and producers around the world a fairer deal. I will be taking my step for them when I do my weekly shop and reach for the, tea, coffee, bananas and chocolate that all show the famous FAIRTRADE Mark.’

TV presenter Christine Bleakley (ITV Dancing On Ice) saw what a difference Fairtrade can actually make when she visited a coffee farm in Uganda. She said: ‘The question isn’t ‘why do you buy Fairtrade?’ but ‘why don’t you?’ Ever since visiting Oliva Kishero, who farms coffee on the remote slopes of Mount Elgon in Uganda to support her own children and several orphaned cousins, I have been buying Fairtrade because I’ve seen first-hand what a difference it can actually make. I shall make sure that all my friends and family are doing the same during 2012’.

Comedian Harry Hill (ITV TV Burp) has visited Fairtrade banana and cocoa farms in Ghana and the peanut farms where they grow ‘Harry’s Nuts!’ Fairtrade peanuts in Malawi. He saw how the extra money or premium which goes to the farmers from Fairtrade sales helps them to improve their lives – to educate their children, for example, and put proper roofs on their homes. He said: ‘I shall be eating more of my favourite snack Fairtrade Harry’s Nuts! salted peanuts – yum yum!

It’s great that by going NUTS for Fairtrade such big changes can be possible within just one African country.’

Impressionist Alistair McGowan and TV presenter Sue Perkins (BBC Great British Bake Off) have both been bitten by the baking bug and have vowed to cook up a storm with cakes made with Fairtrade ingredients. Alistair said: ‘This year, like many people, I’ve been introduced to the joys of baking. And, as an ethically-minded shopper, I try to include as many Fairtrade ingredients as possible in my new creations. There are many tasty Fairtrade products to bake with; from ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom to raisins, honey, dried fruits and vanilla. There’s even Fairtrade wine for the more adventurous!’ Sue Perkins said: ‘I’m no stranger to eating delicious cakes. I will be taking my step knowing they taste even better if they’ve been made from Fairtrade ingredients.’

Chocoholics Alex Jones (BBC One Show), Natalie Pinkham (BBC Five Live / Formula One) and Di Dougherty (Sky Sports) will be treating themselves with more Fairtrade chocolate. Alex Jones said: ‘During 2012, my step will be to enjoy my Fairtrade chocolate knowing that every bite will deliver a little bit of extra magic, supporting the farmers who grew the cocoa to invest in a brighter future.’

Early birds Lorraine Kelly and Dan Lobb will be joining actress Jessica Hynes and TV presenter Kate Walsh in making sure that their first steps of the day throughout the year will be to drink a Fairtrade cup of tea or coffee. Lorraine Kelly said ‘I cannot go without a cuppa first thing in the morning. So I will be making sure I drink Fairtrade tea and coffee this year. It’s an easy way to make a difference to the lives of farmers in developing countries.’ Dan Lobb said: ‘Buying a Fairtrade banana or cup of coffee is a tiny step on my part. But by switching to these products during Fairtrade Fortnight, it’s like a butterfly effect and ends up making a massive difference in the fight against global poverty.’

Strictly’s Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova will be starting their days with a glass of Fairtrade orange juice. They said: ‘A Fairtrade breakfast is our first step of the day. We always try to have a refreshing glass of Fairtrade fruit juice because we know this guarantees that the orange farmer has received a fair deal.’

Committed shopaholic and fashionista Made In Chelsea’s Cheska Hull is vowing to add more Fairtrade cotton to her wardrobe. She said: “Ethical fashion doesn’t have to mean boring. Even the most fierce fashionista can find something gorgeous to wear made out of Fairtrade cotton.”

Ex-Eastender’s actress Louisa Lytton will be hoping to receive more Fairtrade flowers on special occasions in 2012. She said: ‘A step for Fairtrade is an easy way to make a difference to the lives of farmers and workers in developing countries. So, next time you want to surprise a loved one, why not give Fairtrade flowers?’

Through the ‘Take A Step for Fairtrade’ campaign, the Fairtrade Foundation wants to see more individuals and businesses buying and selling Fairtrade products in the UK. The public are being asked to think about what they can do every day, every week or every month throughout 2012 and take a step to make a difference to the lives of farmers in the developing world who produce the products they buy.

With a wide range of products, from supermarket own label to top brands – great products offering good value and decent values too – a step for Fairtrade can be as simple as trying a new Fairtrade product like buying a Fairtrade coffee on the way to work, or making sure the weekly shopping basket contains one or two more Fairtrade products like Fairtrade tea or bananas, or encouraging their friends and family to switch to Fairtrade.

With Fairtrade every step counts.In Malawi, for example, sugar farmers earn a fair price for the sugar they sell on Fairtrade terms. As a result, farmers in Chinangwa village have been able to bring clean water and electricity to their homes, afford roofs for their houses and school fees for their children.

The more people that support Fairtrade, the more farmers and workers will be able to improve their lives through the better terms of trade it offers. The Fairtrade Foundation encourages everyone to start their journey at www.fairtrade.org.uk/step

MILLIE AND MANUKA DOCTOR

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Made in Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh is supporting Manuka Doctor, innovators of the UK’s first ever Purified Bee Venom skincare collection, on their stand at this year’s Vitality Show.

On Saturday 24th March between 10am and 1pm Millie will be offering skincare advice to show visitors in support of her favourite skincare range.

Millie, brand ambassador for Manuka Doctor and a huge fan of natural beauty, suffered with acne in her teens and knows what it feels like to still get the occasional breakout. The heavy make-up required for filming and constant parties and events, means Millie needs something highly effective in cleaning the skin. Being a make-up artist she also understands how hard it is to keep skin looking clear and healthy.

“As a make-up artist I come across so many products and brands – I also get sent a lot of products to try – my absolute favourite at the moment is Manuka Doctor. I really like their ApiClear range. The Foaming Cleanser, Skin Treatment Serum and Moisturising Lotion are all really good for balancing troubled skin.” Millie Mackintosh

Millie’s not alone, since Manuka Doctor’s launch at the end of last year, hero products from the range have completely sold out through Holland & Barrett stores nationwide. Other celebrity bee venom fans include Kate Middleton, Victoria Beckham, Kylie and Dannii Minogue and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.

Manuka Doctor’s ApiClear range is specifically designed to help balance troubled skin. Purified Bee Venom (PBV™) works alongside New Zealand Manuka Honey, known for its anti-bacterial qualities, and Propolis, to help eliminate the causes of blemishes, nurture cell regeneration and renew damaged skin cells.

A recent trial into the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of Purified Bee Venom against acne inducing bacteria, conducted by Dr SangMi Han and published in the Journal of Medicinal Plant Research[i] (2010), proved Bee Venom to be an effective alternative treatment for antibiotic therapy for acne. Try the ApiClear Treatment Serum (£18.99 for 30ml) to provide an antiseptic solution for inflamed troubled skin.

Manuka Doctor’s Purified Bee Venom is the result of a unique patented purification process that removes any unwanted particles after it’s been collected from the bees. The venom is extracted using a safe process that ensures that the bee’s lifespan, well being and performance are not affected.

The Manuka Doctor range of Purified Bee Venom products is sold exclusively through Holland & Barrett stores nationwide and online at www.hollandandbarrett.com.

Prices range from £3.49 to £49.99.

Boots Summer Show

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Boots Summer Show on Wednesday 29 Feb 2012.

Decked with sun-loungers, sombreros and coconut shelled piña coladas, the garden conservatory at the Barbican Centre was transformed into an oasis of tranquillity for the Boots Summer show.

The giant health and beauty retailer showcased its new range of products for summer 2012 with lotions and potions for work, rest and play.

With temperatures set to sore mid year, Boots’ new range provides functional yet appealing cosmetics and travel accessories whether you’re in an emergency or simply want to add a bit of glamour to your evening.

Highlights from the tropical event include the sweet-smelling self-tanning lotion, the highly glittered nail varnishes and the gorgeous 17 bronzing powder.

But here’s a summary of what you can expect in-store and online from May/June onwards.

Make-up

With its own range of make-up (17 and No.7), Boots has had to up its offering to the already populated cosmetic counter.

This year it seems to be all about getting a sultry, shimmering glow to the face and body and the new range is guaranteed to add a sparkle to your dull cosmetics bag.

The 17 Instant Glow Bronzing Powder (£5.49 for 20g) is striking in terms of its looks; a leopard print design of multi-toned powder within an embossed palette. As well as adding warmth to the skin, the speckles of gold dust illuminate the face.

My favourite product from the summer preview was No 7 Stay Perfect glitter top coat (£8 for 9ml) which, unfortunately, is only on sale between 16 May – 10 July.

In either gold or silver, the nail varnish is perfect on its own or as the pièce de resistance on top of a bold statement colour.

Soltan Beautiful Bronze (£5.99 for 125ml) is the perfect medium for women who want to enhance their skin tone in a quick and affordable way. While promising to moisturise your skin and add a deep, rich tone instantly, this self-tan also leaves your skin smelling sweetly, unlike other tanning products. Another bonus is that you can wash it all off after you’ve dazzled and danced the night away!

Sun, Swim and Gym

This range is aimed toward both active women and those who prefer to relax on the beach and have a dip in the sea.

Our hair is exposed to UV rays, chlorine and salt and Boots has developed an intensive shampoo (£3.05 for 250ml) and conditioner (£3.59 for 200ml) that hydrates hair strands, leaving your bob sleek and shiny. It’s handy enough to pack into your gym bag or take with you on your summer holidays.

Another sure handbag favourite is Mark Hill’s Holiday Hair (£4.49 for 50ml) which adds nutrients to the scalp to stop it drying out and it’s especially good for coloured hair, preventing it from fading too quickly.

Food and Dieting

The Shapers products include a variety of not too naughty but nice snack bars and flavoured water packed with vitamins.

Under 100 calories each, the raspberry and white chocolate, and the rocky road crispie (55p for 24g) will be included in the Boots healthy meal deal options along with sandwiches for the weight-conscious. Perfect for women on the go.

Travel Medicine

I have to say, I was very excited about the Boots Pharmaceuticals Repel products for when you’re on your travels.

The bite and sting relief patches provide soothing remedy to bites and stings with its hydrogel pads, preventing you from scratching and irritating the infected area further.

But Boots hasn’t just thought about the necessary pills and pads for vacations away, it’s also come up with novel Allergy and Hayfever melt-in-the-mouth tablets (£4.99 for 14 one-a-day tablets). With millions of people suffering from Hayfever, these instant tablets should help you make the most of summer, rather than having to hide indoors once the pollen counters begin to rise.

A Magical Production

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Lost in the Dark presents Ondine by Jean Giraudoux

When I was a child, I used to make up plays.  They would often involve princesses, love stories and magical powers.  Ondine is exactly the type of play that child would have loved: the embodiment of the sense of wonder that draws us to drama in the first place.  To bring this off in a small fringe venue like the White Bear is no small achievement.  But bring it off to a very high standard is precisely what Lost in the Dark have done.

Ondine is the story of a supernatural creature who falls in love with a mortal man..When Hans and Ondine meet, the worlds of a mortal man and a magical creature of the water dangerously collide and she is forced to make an inexorable pact, which will change both their lives forever. Should he betray her, he must die and, along with her time on earth, be erased completely from her memory for her to return to the world of the lake forever.

The first thing to strike me when I entered was the set.  Auguste (Michael Eden) and Eugenie (Terry Diab) were already seated, she knitting, he reading, in a fisherman’s cottage, complete with daub walls and a working window.  The small oil lamps were a particularly nice touch.  Haunting music played from offstage.  The first act takes place in this kitchen, with Hans (Andrew Venning) and Ondine (Elizabeth Merrick) completing the cast for this part of the story.  The second set takes place in the Royal Palace, where Richard Hurst, Brice Stratford, Rob Leonard, Phoebe Batteson Brown, David Frias Robles, Marian Elizabeth and Hilary Hodsman make their debuts.  The final act takes place on a rock by the sea, where the story comes to its tragic, but inevitable end.

There were no bum notes in this production, although a personal preference would be for the actors not to turn their back on the audience quite so much, but apart from that they dealt with the small space admirably.  Everyone involved did a fantastic job: however, there are some who deserve a special mention.  Firstly, set designer Zanna Mercer has created three excellent environments for the play, which are spectacular by the standards of black-box theatre.  Andrew Venning grabbed my attention from the moment he came on stage, and continued to captivate the audience throughout, with his expressive, heartfelt delivery and physical presence.  Elizabeth Merrick was superb as Ondine, her opera training showing to advantage in her movement, her vocal range, and her portrayal of wide-eyed wonder, tragedy and love.  The final scene between Ondine and Hans was particularly poignant, with both actors showing marvellous emotional depth.  Marian Elizabeth gave a lovely, credible performance as Bertha, particulary in one scene, where I almost believed she had a live bird in her hand.  She played the part with charm and grace.  I would have liked to see more of Phoebe Batteson Brown (Voilante/Kitchen Maid).  She drew my eyes whenever she was on stage and although her parts were small, they gave indications of a much larger potential.  Finally, a play is only as good as its director, and Cat Robey must take a large amount of credit for this magical piece of theatre.

Ondine is running at the White Bear Theatre, London, SE11 4DJ, 28th February – 18th March 2012, Tues-Sat 7:30pm, Sun 6pm.  For more information, visit www.ondine-lost-in-the-dark.com.

 

Winter Slaw with Grilled Lamb Chops {Recipes}

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Winter Slaw with Grilled Lamb Chops

Serves 4

This is a fresher, lighter version of your usual mayonnaise covered coleslaw that can be made
ahead and stored in the fridge. You can also serve this slaw with steak, grilled salmon or a jacket
potato

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

For the winter slaw:
¼ red cabbage, finely shredded
¼ white cabbage, finely shredded
4 carrots, peeled and grated
1 British red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
1 green apples, cored and thinly sliced
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp dill, chopped
Handful lightly toasted pine nuts

For the dressing:
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tsp caster sugar
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons walnut oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
For the lamb chops
1 tsp cayenne pepper
2-3 tbsp oil
8 lamb chops
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. Make the dressing by mixing all the ingredients together in a jar – giving them all a good
shake. The dressing can be made ahead.
2. Place the shredded cabbages, carrots and onion in a large mixing bowl and mix well. Toss
the apple in the lemon juice and add to the vegetables along with the dill. Add the pine
nuts just before serving.
3. Add the dressing and mix well, allowing the flavours to infuse together.
4. For the lamb chops, mix together the cayenne pepper and the oil until well combined. Rub
the lamb chops all over with the mixture, then season, to taste, with salt and freshly
ground black pepper.
5. Heat a griddle pan over a medium heat; add the lamb chops and cook for 2-3 minutes on
each side, or until golden-brown on both sides and cooked, but still pink in the middle.
6. Serve the lamb chops with a serving of the winter slaw.

Onion Tart Tatin {Recipes}

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Onion Tart Tatin

Serves 2

This dish looks impressive but is deceptively easy to make! Serve with a sprinkling of goat’s
cheese and rocket for a starter or light meal to impress. You could also make this in two separate
tart tins for individual portions.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

2 British brown onions
1 British red onion
50g butter
2 tbsp clear honey
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
A few thyme sprigs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
250 g ready rolled puff pastry, defrosted if frozen
Little flour for rolling

1. Preheat the oven, 200°C/fan oven 180°C, Gas Mark 6
2. Cut the onions into wedges from the roots to the stems. Melt the butter in a 20 cm (8
inch) frying pan with a metal handle. Add the onions and fry over a medium heat for about
5 minutes, turning from time to time until just beginning to brown.
3. Add the honey and vinegar and cook for a further 5 minutes, moving and shaking the pan
occasionally so the onions do not stick to the pan. Arrange the onions so they make a
pretty pattern, remembering you will be inverting the tart. Add the thyme stems and
season well. Leave to cool while you prepare the pastry.
4. Roll out the pastry on to a lightly floured surface and cut into a circle slightly larger than
the diameter of the frying pan. Lift the pastry over the onions and tuck down the sides of
the pan or tin. Make 2 small slits for the steam to escape.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is well risen. Leave to stand for 5 minutes. Turn
the pastry gently to release; you should be able to spin the tart tatin when it is ready to
serve. Cover the pan with a plate, invert then remove the pan leaving the tart now on the
plate.
6. Serve warm or cold, with a scattering of rocket and Parmesan shavings.

SSX Game Review

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If gamers are completely honest with themselves Extreme Sports games have been severely lacking in this generation of consoles. Yes, the XBOX has had the…erm, Motion Sports titles but come on, really now, all you have had to do is essentially strike a pose and look surprisingly un-cool. If we are completely honest, gone is the insane rush of pulling off trick after trick; gone is the feeling of utter wow whilst your mates go ‘did you really just do that?’ SSX Tricky on the PS2 was the last game to do that me, and not even being able to download it from the PSN store was going to make me feel that way again – until now.

SSX has exploded back on the scene in such a way that many of its competitors will just probably want to turn away from the starting line and hang their heads in shame. Such is the wealth of options, such is the banging-ness of the tracks, such is the literally obscene nature of the tricks, such is the colour and richness of the graphical nature, such is the sheer speed of the game and finally such is the seamless incorporation of all what games developers EA have learnt so far with their other titles such as Need for Speed and its Auto log that many other games just wouldn’t stand a chance.

EA Canada decided to show the world what happens when you don’t just put the game out every year, but instead put your heart and soul into it and take time crafting it, polishing it and the result is an  ultimate experience.

I’ll forget the storyline (is there ever a storyline?) and break this game down to you in the simplest of terms. You will go down mountains – admittedly fantastically rendered mountains. You will have an articulated lorry of tricks at your disposal and these tricks accumulate points which can be traded for speed. Like Need for Speed there are a range of different events – here classified as either “Race It,” in which you have to speed down the slopes against competitors, “Trick It,” in which you need to pull off tricks and outscore the competition, or “Survive It,” which is the final region challenge pitting you against one of the elements.

While there are only three basic modes, there’s a good mix of racers and racing conditions to keep things exciting. You will attempt to conquer slopes all over the world, be that in china or even the Andes.  Each location is interesting and each race has a lot going on.

“Survive it” is the real new addition to the series. Borrowing a lot from Motorstorm Apocalypse you take on the elements  for example thunderous avalanches will try to swallow you up, freezing cold temperatures and lack of oxygen will attempt to suck the life from you, jagged rocks and trees will threaten to turn your bones into mash potato. The skill level is graduated so you get a bit of equipment, like a headlamp, a wing suit or sonar goggles, and you can conquer the very different problems you face on the mountain in each location: the wing suit will help you cross substantial gaps, sonar goggles can help you find a path in whiteout conditions and the headlamp will illuminate even the darkest of caverns.

Control wise this game is quite good; making use of the analogue sticks as well as L and R buttons too to create smooth transitions between tricks. What I thought was really nice is that there is a classic button selection too. So if you were used to the old button setup of the last generation you can select it and pull of moves via the button mashing system of old. You also have a rewind button so if you wipe-out you can go back in time and alter your fate so to speak – although this does cost you points.

Whereas Need for Speed had Auto Log, SSX has Rider Net. It keeps track of your progress. Rider Net alerts you about what your friends are doing. Any scores posted or collectibles acquired pop up, and the game sets challenges for you based on your friend’s scores.

Multiplayer in SSX comes in the form of Global Events, a constantly updating series of challenges open to everyone in the world. EA has challenges going all the time and you can just drop in and try and post a high score or fast time.

As you’re racing through a course, other players doing the same will just show up alongside you in a crazy simultaneous event. For some, it may seem loopy but there is no denying that it keeps the edge and playability of the title top notch. Besides, what else can you do with a snowboard?

My Verdict?

SSX may not be a title for everyone but it is a title that has been long overdue in a genre that sorely needed it. If snowboarding is your thing, if racing games have been getting boring for you or you just want to try something fun, fresh and funky do check out SSX – it’s incredible.

9.2/10

Fashions Finest London Fashion Week Shows

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Fashions Finest London Fashion Week Shows take part on 18 & 19 February 2012

Fashions Finest LFW shows continue to grow from strength to strength attracting designers from across the globe from as far afield as India, Nigeria, Poland, Zambia and numerous emerging and established designers from across the UK.

Fashions Finest is not your ordinary London Fashion Week show as it continuously pushes the boundaries and gives opportunities to new, aspiring and emerging designers that would not ordinarily be given the opportunity to showcase during London Fashion Week.

This season Fashions Finest added an extra dimension to its shows by for the first time having solo shows alongside the group shows. John Peter and Yes London showed male and female collections
respectively. These two shows were absolute road blocks with guests being turned away in large numbers,
All of the shows attracted celebrities such as celebrity hair dresser Stuart Phillip and a lot of the top media outlets and buyers from across the world.

FF LFW Catwalk Schedule

Saturday 18th February 2012
Day 1
Venue: Westbury Hotel, London

Designers Showcasing:
3pm Show – Emerging Designers
• Ocansey Bianchi (UK)
• Bukki (UK)
• Gruni (Scotland)
• BZion(UK)
• Rouge by Rachelle (UK)

5pm Show – Established Designers
• Beata Guzinska (Poland/UK)
• Smart Phiri (Zambia)
• Fee Uhssi Designs(UK)
7.30pm – Solo Show
• John Peter (Italy/UK)
9pm – Solo Show (Italy/UK)
• Yes London
Sunday 19th February 2012
Day 2
Venue: Westbury Hotel, London

Designers Showcasing:
3pm Show – Emerging Designers
• Motohiro Tanji (Japan/UK)
• Yola Walaszek (Poland/UK)
• Heart 365 Emporium (UK)
• LinmiR Millinery (UK)
• Chatenya Mittal (India)
• GUZOVAART (Scotland)
6pm Show – Emerging Designers
• Lakot Couture (UK)
• ODF Clothing (UK)
• AGR (UK)
• BZion (UK)
• Thre3e.ten Clothing (UK)
• Eva Cammarata (UK)
8.30pm Show – Established Designers
• Jan Knibbs (UK)
• Mia by Mia Nisbet (Scotland/Malawi)
• House of Silk (Nigeria)
• SVE (UK)

Detailed Information on the designers can be found on Fashions Finest